Lao Music Awards to promote music industry

A total of 14 awards will be presented at the first ever Lao Music Awards to be held on July 26 in Vientiane

Last Friday, a press conference was organised by Sengdara Communications at the Lao Plaza Hotel to announce the categories in which awards will be presented. The event was attended by the Acting Director General of the Fine Arts Department, Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong, and Vice President of the Lao Journalists' Association, Mr Somsanouk Mixay.

The press conference featured performances of the event's theme song performed in both pop and country music style and closed with a lucky draw for two air tickets to Malaysia .

The awards ceremony will promote the local music industry and acknowledge the wealth of quality Lao performers and their work...more info>>

“This will be the first ever event in Laos to recognise successful songs and artists, as well as those working behind the scenes especially song composers and producers,” said Sengdara Communications Director Viroun Sengdara.

“The awards ceremony will become an annual event and will help to raise the standard of the music industry in Laos to equal that of neighbouring countries,” Mr Viroun said.

“The establishment of the Lao Music Awards is in accordance with the government's policy to promote art and culture.”

Awards will be presented in 14 categories, including prizes for the best album, song, group, new artist, male and female artist, most popular artist and country or folk artist of the year.

Trophies will also be given for the best traditional Lao, pop, rock and hip-hop artists of the year. The best producer and composer of the year will also be honoured.

Winners in each category will receive a uniquely designed vintage record player or gramophone incorporating the dok champa (frangipani), the Lao national flower.

“Applications for the awards are open to all Lao artists. Entries will be accepted until May 15. A judging panel and the general public will then spend 10 days selecting the winners,” said Head of Office of Sengdara Communications, Mr Somsack Khandavong.

“A judging panel together with public votes will select four finalists in each category to appear at the awards ceremony, as well as selecting the winners on the night.

Members of the public can vote by sending an SMS through the Tigo network and by completing competition details on specially marked products offered by event sponsors,” Mr Somsack said.

The 2008 Lao Music Awards will be held at the National Culture Hall and will be broadcast live on Lao TV channels. People can obtain tickets to the event by purchasing specially marked products offered by event sponsors and following instructions on the packaging to receive tickets.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes

Phoulin Kousalivong (Lin), 24, born in Phonsavanh village, Paek district, Xieng Khouang province. He graduated from Dongkhamxang financial institute in 2006. Before fully entering the music industry, Lin used to be the member of "Raza brand" which belong to Lao-American college. In 2004, he participated in the music contest organized by the Quest college and was the winner in that time.

Later on, he separated himself from the band and established a small dancing group names: "Street brea kerz" or "B-boy dancing", in which Lin and his friend, Anousa, were the trainer for this band. One day during the practices, Lin had his right arm broken and had to stop his duty as a trainer.

Lin started to have an interest on the music and used to compose Lao song and proposed to Airsavanh, the executive of S.D music industry LTD. Finally he was accepted to be the new singer and had a chance to performe his first concert at Lao ITECC in 2004 under his first album entitled: "Rap Taohou"...more info

At present, Lin is now preparing to debut his full album called "The Zest". There are 3 members in the band: Lin, Luly and Tim. All the preparation is going well and the band is just waiting for Tim, who is now studying in Malaysia and will return home in April this year. The album is now 60% completed, in which, Lin composes all the songs and lyrics by himself.

The inspiration of Lin is from himself and one of his close friend, Bounhiep Bandith, who used to be the member of the Zest.

Lin's dream is to have his own business "CD shop" in the future. He revealed that he may not be able to rap when he gets older.

At present, the Zest joined many concerts organized by the S.D studio. Lin wants everyone to listen to his musics and he believes that everyone will love his songs as much as he does.

Source: ecom
Quick translation by Samakomlao fanclub